THE CLINICAL AND FORENSIC ROLE OF CITOLOGY IN pTA AND pT1 BLADDER CANCER MONITORING. Case study revision for the period 2008 - 2017

Francesco Raschellà *, Marella Gian Luca**, Potenza Saverio*, Migaldi Mario***, Caggiano Bartolo*, Marsella Luigi Tonino*, Tavone Alessandro*, Iacuzio Antonio*

*Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy - **Department of Surgical Science, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy - ***Section of Pathology, Department of Diagnostic Medicine, Clinical and Public Health, via del Pozzo, 71, 41124 Modena, Italy

Introduction: The Authors describe the results of a retrospective study that analyzes importance of a proper bladder cancer monitoring, comparing the use of the different methods available, both in terms of diagnostic delay and in terms of legal medical repercussions. 

Materials and methods: Using the database of the Pathological Anatomy Department of the Modena Polyclinic, we have isolated a series of 238 patients with histological diagnosis of bladder urothelial carcinoma in pTa and pT1 stages with an observational minimum time interval after first diagnosis of at least 5 years. The observational statistical analysis of the data stored was made through a statistical software (SPSS report 11.00 USA).

Results: The results of the present study show how cytological screening, performed constantly with urine tests during early-stage monitoring of bladder tumors, can be a valid tool for the timely diagnosis of tumor stage evolution. Indeed positivity of the cytological examination can direct to a rapid diagnostic and therapeutic re-planning.

Conclusion: It would be desirable to standardize the best screening strategies about bladder cancer. With a correct standardization, a valid reference could be obtained both from a clinical point of view, and for a correct legal medical evaluation in term of diagnostic delay and, consequently, reduction in the chance of survival.